HAL HJT-16 Kiran
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited · India · first flew 1964 · light aircraft
The HAL HJT-16 Kiran is India's first indigenously designed jet trainer, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to train Indian Air Force pilots from basic to advanced stages.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Rolls-Royce Viper or Bristol Orpheus turbojet in fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- India's indigenous jet trainer with straight wing
- Side-by-side seating in a tandem cockpit under a long canopy
- Rolls-Royce Viper or Bristol Orpheus turbojet in fuselage
A straight-wing jet trainer of modest proportions; closely resembles the SOKO Galeb in layout but identified by Indian Air Force markings and the Kiran's slightly different nose profile.
Specifications
- The HAL HJT-16 Kiran has a length of 10.6 m (35 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.7 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 695 km/h (432 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (tandem).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1964, the Kiran entered service with the IAF in the late 1960s and served as the primary jet trainer for decades. It was also used by the Surya Kiran aerobatic display team.
Variants
The Kiran Mk.I used the Bristol Orpheus engine; the Kiran Mk.II introduced the more powerful Rolls-Royce Viper and provision for light armament.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with the Indian Air Force; gradually replaced by the BAE Hawk in advanced training roles.
Related aircraft
- HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk I
- HAL HF-24 Marut
- HAL HAL-27 Krishak
- HAL Krishak Mk.2
- Aerosport Woody Pusher
- American Champion Citabria
- Beechcraft Queen Air A65
- Bölkow Phoebus
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